Back to the 80s at Oughterard with St Paul’s TY students
BY GAVIN SYNOTT
Rehearsals are in full swing at St Paul’s Secondary School, Oughterard, for the Transition Year production of Back to the 80s. Full dress-rehearsals will begin next week for the musical, which will be staged on February 11 and 12 at Oughterard Community Centre.
Written by Neil Gooding, Back to the 80s tells the story of the 1989 graduation class of William Ocean High through the eyes of Corey Palmer Sr, who is now in his 30s and living in the year 2001.
He reminisces about the 80s and introduces the audience to his classmates and teachers. They include Corey Jnr, a younger version of himself; as well as Tiffany Houston and her friends, the popular girls. There’s Michael Feldman and his gang, the cool guys. And there are the teachers Sheena Brannigan and Stevie Cocker.
The musical features major 80s’ hits such as Kids in America by Kim Wilde, Footloose by Kenny Loggins, Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves, and I’ve Had The Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.
Auditions were held in September and rehearsals have been ongoing since. Work began on dance routines and choreography, the musicians started practising and the lead actors began to learn their lines. They include Evan Walsh who plays Corey Sr; Jack Osbourne as Corey Jr; Bethany O’Sullivan as Tiffany Houston; Tommy Joe Connelly as Michael Feldman; and Ailbhe Curran as Sheena Brannigan.
Hours of practice have been put into the production, with the help of Peter Tobin, Mr Malone and Ms Carew.
Back to the 80s will be on Thursday and Friday, February 11 and 12, at Oughterard Community Centre.